Yahoo Forum Archive
This is an archive of the MEFA Yahoo Group, which was shut down by Yahoo in 2019. The archive can be sorted by month and by topic ID. You can use your browser to search by keyword within the month or topic you have open.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | - | - | - | 182 | 1042 | 655 | 89 | 25 | 263 | 362 | 316 | 285 |
| 2005 | 189 | 56 | 107 | 538 | 347 | 446 | 97 | 276 | 194 | 358 | 565 | 136 |
| 2006 | 231 | 66 | 27 | 76 | 117 | 139 | 127 | 56 | 67 | 66 | 159 | 79 |
| 2007 | 20 | 25 | 7 | - | 29 | 72 | 99 | 143 | 3 | 185 | 83 | 103 |
| 2008 | 56 | 13 | 3 | 54 | 240 | 141 | 274 | 77 | 51 | 60 | 90 | 106 |
| 2009 | 28 | 3 | - | 39 | 194 | 101 | 72 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 36 | 24 |
| 2010 | 67 | - | 1 | 4 | 103 | 138 | 129 | 32 | 13 | 16 | 3 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 | - | 17 | 2 | 6 | 25 | 90 | 61 | 32 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| 2012 | 30 | - | - | - | 8 | 122 | 76 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2013 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2014 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 2015 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2016 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2017 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2018 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
Msg# 7588
Reviews for 12 November - part 2 Posted by Rhapsody November 12, 2006 - 11:46:09 Topic ID# 7588Title: The Fords of Isen · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Adventure · ID: 41
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 14:41:40
Exciting, a bit creepy, and yet very touching, to see these two
warriors, friends in life, still watching over others in their deaths. I
love the framing story as well, the OCs--grandfather, grandmother and
grandson--and their interactions. A good story, well executed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Benison · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 67
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-03 14:44:54
Such a marvelous story! The premise for the gift/blessing of the sewing
basket was well thought-out, and the author crafted beautiful
descriptions of the contents of the basket and the book that drew me
right into sharing their discovery with Eowyn. (Although I admit - Eowyn
the sewer always jars me a bit; I'm ever seeing swords and not needles
in her hand, no matter that I know she would surely have a noblewoman's
skills...)
All of the little details were evocative, moving and carefully chosen,
bringing to mind Finduilas' life in both Dol Amroth and Minas Tirith. I
particularly loved the blush-worthy poetry from Denethor (which made me
want to know much more about the life together that this author
conceives for them); and the benediction that Finduilas laid on her new
daughter-in-law at the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthdays · Author: Rabidsamfan · Genres: Drama: Remembering ·
ID: 988
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-03 14:45:12
Very sweet and touching story, without being cloying at all. Little
Elanor's perspective and voice was perfect, capturing her immaturity
without muddling her straight-to-the-heart insights.
-----------------------------------
Title: ... and hear the song of salt and sea · Author: Cuthalion ·
Genres: Drama: The Steward's Family · ID: 98
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-11-03 14:48:05
In this fic, you envisioned a part of the LotR backstory that I have
never stopped to think about: Finduilas of Dol Amroth, and what her
marriage to Denethor might have been like. Thanks so much for bringing
this gap to life for me.
(Before I forget, I want to say I loved the touch of her remembering how
her brother would take the boy Faramirs hand during walks when they
visited in Dol Amroth the prince and uncle who would save Faramir as
he fled before the Nazgûl, across fields of the Pelennor, decades hence
.... This little detail touched me deeply; its the sort of
gap-filling that fleshes out the story beautifully, making characters
merely glimpsed in the canon text live.)
From the first, you show your protagonist, Finduilas, as a gently,
caring soul. Although [ she did not love him at first sight ], in time
she came to see his loneliness and loved him. Yet, love was not enough.
How well you sketch the sort of place Finduilas grew up in, Dol Amroth,
by the sea. I have never thought of Minas Tirith as anything but
beautiful; somewhere Id like to live. But, to make a comparison, while
Rome was beautiful and impressive, emperors preferred to take their
holidays in Capri. You make it understandable how a woman raised by the
sea, with its milder weather, soft breezes, and fragrant gardens (and
from a beloved home), would find the White City as severe as its
steward. Too hard, too exposed, too hot, too cold. You tell how his
cares (fighting the powers of the East) harden and darken Denethors
heart, so that love wanes. Then, his patronage of his first son and
rejection of her second son or the way she was raising him seems
finally to kill her love.
In the appendices, Tolkien implied two main threads for why Finduilas
would have grown unhappy. I think you touched on both of them. He says,
[ &it seemed to men that she withered in the guarded city, as a flower
of the seaward vales set upon a barren rock. The shadow in the east
filled her with horror, and she turned her eyes ever south to the sea
that she missed. ]Your Finduilas did not seem directly affected by
horror in the east, but she certainly suffered through Denethors grim
preoccupation with it. Her withering because she was, so to speak, out
of her element a sea flower on a barren rock of a city was
well-shown in your story.
My only reservation about this fine fic concerns its ending. Nowhere in
the canon materials or drafts is it hinted that Finduilas actually
killed herself (is it?). She died untimely; she withered. We know her
children mourned her, and that her husband became more grim and taciturn
and sour after losing her to death.
Considering the way in which you depicted Finduilas sinking into deeper
and deeper despond and depression, it is entirely plausible that she
would have killed herself in the way you describe. But, based on my
knowledge of real-life situations in which a parent has killed herself,
the way this sort of death would have impacted her survivors would have
been extremely severe. Denethor would have been incapacitated by guilt,
and I don't see how her sons would have got over it. From the source
materials, though, this did not appear to be the case. Therefore, I
think you could keep the idea that she killed herself, but it might do
to show that it was generally *believed* ("generally" including her
children and husband) that her death was accidental.
If Denethor lived to be haunted by the suspicion that it had been
intentional, and that he himself was responsible for the state of misery
that would have driven her to it, that could make sense in the context
of canon. But he could not know *for sure* -- he'd have to be able to
put the thought aside enough to shoulder the huge responsibilities he
actually had. And her sons could not be allowed to know at all, I think,
or the repercussions would have to have shown up more than they do in
their LotR portrayals. Well, *in my opinion* that would be the case. You
might imagine it differently, or not care that much about sticking
closely to the text. Fic-writers do whatever they want with the source
material, hang the canon text, but you seem to want to maintain a
resemblance.
A sequel, perhaps...? :D
-----------------------------------
Title: Quality Time · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 205
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 14:55:29
Denethor and his very young sons are sharing a few peaceful moments. I
love all the subtle underlay here of Denethor's relationship with the
boys' Nanny--his slight jealousy, his amusement at discomfitting her.
And her touchiness and wariness around him. I have read some of these
stories, but not enough of them to be sure of the timeline--the boys
seem too young here to have lost their mother yet, so I wonder at
Finduilas' absence. Still, this is a very touching picture of this
family before grief and bitterness destroy it.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Gift of Tears · Author: vladazhael · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 615
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 14:59:02
A rather angsty moment, as Haldir must deliver the news of a fellow
warrior's death to his grief-stricken sister.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Precious Gift · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 250
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:04:19
The birth of Finwe's second son--his first with Indis. A very sweet and
touching moment portrayed, as we see a father reluctant to touch the
newborn, as many young fathers often are. And a weary but proud young
mother, pleased with her precious child. Very nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Master of Shadows · Author: Space Weavil · Genres: Drama · ID: 245
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:27:44
Chilling. What a fascinating speculation on the origins of the
Witch-King of Angmar, his motives and his eventual enslavement to the
Ring. I find this all too plausible, and very well written. I like the
device of using the seven deadly sins to encompass his fall into darkness.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lightly Sings the Wind · Author: Ellie · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 799
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:45:09
An interesting examination of Earwen's reaction to the news that her
sons were all killed in the War of Wrath, and that her daughter will not
return to her in Valinor. Her grief is very realistically and tellingly
portrayed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Letters in the sand · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Feanorians
· ID: 176
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:50:24
Maglor's fate in wandering, ever doomed to relive his past mistakes, and
his role in the ill-fated vow of his father, is here examined. Very
evocative and thought-provoking.
-----------------------------------
Title: House of Finwë · Author: Ghettoelleth · Times: First Age and
Prior: Incomplete · ID: 100
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:59:32
Very angsty. An excellent use of imagery and language, to convey the
anger and anguish of the Feanorians.
-----------------------------------
Title: Planning Ahead · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men · ID: 84
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 16:03:51
This was really cute! An excellent use of the propensity of the Dunedain
to foresight--but in this case, I am sure that it caused poor Arathorn
more confusion than anything else. I loved little Gilraen's certainty!
It certainly made me smile.
-----------------------------------
Title: Summer Call · Author: mitasova · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall ·
ID: 772
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 16:22:29
A warm and touching account of how Faramir of Ithilien spends his last
day, in the company of his grandson, and some beloved memories. This was
beautifully crafted, and it made me sniffle.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shin to Toe to Thigh to Mind · Author: Talasi · Genres: Romance ·
ID: 369
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 16:26:23
A rather sensual song-fic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Book Learning · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 910
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 16:36:11
This was very amusing--to see the newlyweds each fearing that he or she
was inadequate in the bedroom. It's a state of mind that inexperience
makes likely, and I loved the way each of them, although approaching the
problem from a totally different mind-set, came up with the same
solution, LOL! The OCs here are also delightful, and I would not mind
seeing more of Freydis--she was absolutely wonderful! Very nice little
story, and even though it dealt with "adult" topics, it was also handled
tastefully, and not OTT. A good read.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ships Passing · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 302
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:40:27
A sombre, reflective vignette. Faramir holds a quiet conversation
addressed to Halbarad at his bier. I never thought about the
similarities between these two. Both Rangers, both there to rule in the
kings absence. I feel really sorry for Faramir that he never got to
know Halbarad.
-----------------------------------
Title: Imrahil's Daughter · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 183
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:41:38
This story is the sequel to The Warrior and the Healer written from
Éomers point of view. Éomer returns to Minas Tirith to escort the body
of his uncle home to Rohan and discovers to his horror that the healer
he cant get out of his mind from his last visit to Gondor is the
daughter of his friend Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. While trying to
hide their first encounter from Prince Imrahil, they get more and more
entangled.
Lothíriel and Éomer are well-developed characters and their interaction
is priceless. The doors in the Citadel have quite a story to tell. Their
conversations are hilarious and Lothíriel manages constantly to baffle
Éomer.
She is so different than he expects a Gondorian princess to be, not that
he has any idea what that might be, that she is unpredictable to him
(and to the reader).
Another part I really like is when Éomer is not dealing with Lothiriel,
he has to grow into his new role as King of Rohan and that means he has
to see to the future of his people.
The supporting canon characters are well drawn. I love Aragorns dry
humor and Faramirs dealings with Éomer. This story marks the entry of
my favorite of quasi canon characters in Madeleines stories,
Lothíriels brother Amrothos. The banter between the siblings is
priceless. Just by being there Amrothos drives Éomer crazy.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Bride for a King · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 777
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:42:57
Lothíriel discovers through her brothers in a rather off-handed way that
her father has given her to the king of Rohan as bride. Nobody has asked
her and ,oh, by the way, here is a letter from Éomer. Upset, angry, and
baffled, she sets out to get a better understanding of how the male
psyche works. And her brother Amrothos is her chosen target to get all
the necessary answers. The ensuing discussion is one of the highlights
of this story. Lothíriel with her analytical brain dissects everything
Amrothos says and draws surprising conclusions. Amrothos tries to
enlighten her with so many words without saying too much. She is, after
all, a virginal noblewomen.
I especially like the comparison of Éomer with a meat eating plant and
the sidebar of Aunt Ivriniel and her boa named Denethor. At the end of
the discussion, she still has a lot of questions but agrees to be
Éomers bride. When she finally can confront her father, it is hard to
convey her opinion about his high-handedness when he hands her
everything she wants on a platter<g>. I like Imrahil's characterization
in this scene and how he manages (or not) his children.
The characters in this story are well developed. The interaction between
the family members feels natural, but I just love the dialogue. It is
hilarious. A lot of the discussions happen during a meal, and it is
ingenious how the utensils for eating and drinking, and good or bad
table manners can be used to convey feelings, tactics and let the whole
scene come to life.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ada Knows Best · Author: mistycracraft · Genres: Adventure · ID: 290
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:44:42
Adventurous Estel wants to accompany his brothers on their patrols. In
typical teenager fashion, he thinks he is ready and knows better than
his elders. He manages to sneak out of Imladris and follow the patrol.
Naturally, he encounters more than he bargained for. His ingenious plan
of rescue works, but he learns a lesson he will not likely ever forget.
I like the characterization of Estel as a teenager. His rebellion
against being deemed too young, his errors of judgement and then his
indomitable spirit in thinking and fighting his way out of the situation
(with a little help).
-----------------------------------
Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:45:42
I never interpreted the words of Faramirs dream as a summons for
Aragorn to come to Minas Tirith. These three vignettes go from
light-hearted, when Boromir shows Aragorn the sword moves of Thorongil
without knowing that Aragorn is Thorongil, to very dark, when Aragorn
stands vigil over Boromirs dead body and realizes that he cant follow
the summons at the moment. I love the interaction between Boromir and
Aragorn in these three scenes. They sound as if they really talk and
listen to each other and not just are members of the same group with
little in common.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hobbit and the Man: "All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter" ·
Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Cross-Cultural: With Hobbits · ID: 351
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:46:00
This is the amusing little story of Bilbos first meeting with Aragorn.
I love the idea of Aragorn bringing Longbottom Leaf to break the ice.
-----------------------------------
Title: Kissing is Different · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 280
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:46:21
This is a lovely little scenario of how Eomer met Lothiriel. The
conversation in the stables is great. The end was a surpise and I'm not
sure I like it. Somehow it took away part of my enjoyment.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elven Braids · Author: viggomaniac · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 808
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-03 18:22:59
Very nice short story that ended right--I couldn't stand the thought it
would get any worse than it did! Good creative choice there--just enough
angst and no more! I love the idea that he wore elven braids when he was
young and going home to visit family. Awww! However, I am now completely
besotted with the idea of the "sound of an elven war cry"--would love to
hear that. Please let me know if you ever write anything that tries to
describe it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Chivalry · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 374
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-03 18:25:17
Shadowfax and Gandalf are two of my favorite of Tolkiens characters.
The picture that you capture of them here is lovely. The concept of the
Mearas, ["who would bear no one but the King of the Mark or his sons,
until the time of Shadowfax"] is one of the most colorful and
fascinating within Tolkiens mythology. Its always been hard for me to
sort out the scattered references to Mearas, I love to think of them as
tracing their lineage back to horses that came from Valinor, descended
from Nahar, the horse of the Vala Oromë.
Gandalf, when offered a horse, was clever enough to choose Shadowfax.
Then the next question is whether or not he will be smart of enough to
convince Shadowfax to let him ride him. If there could be anyone who
could convince Shadowfax to carry him, Gandalf would certainly be the
one. Very nicely written piece, worthy of its subjects.
-----------------------------------
Title: Concerning Hobbit's Feet · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor:
The Shire · ID: 828
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-03 19:36:27
This one made me laugh out loud. Pippin's candor about this sensitive
subject reminds me of his probing questions in "Of Squirrels and Stolen
Pies". ANd Freddy's solution to the problem -- how perfect! I'm sure
males of all races would be interested in this key issue.
-----------------------------------
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 14:41:40
Exciting, a bit creepy, and yet very touching, to see these two
warriors, friends in life, still watching over others in their deaths. I
love the framing story as well, the OCs--grandfather, grandmother and
grandson--and their interactions. A good story, well executed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Benison · Author: annmarwalk · Genres: Drama: Remembering · ID: 67
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-03 14:44:54
Such a marvelous story! The premise for the gift/blessing of the sewing
basket was well thought-out, and the author crafted beautiful
descriptions of the contents of the basket and the book that drew me
right into sharing their discovery with Eowyn. (Although I admit - Eowyn
the sewer always jars me a bit; I'm ever seeing swords and not needles
in her hand, no matter that I know she would surely have a noblewoman's
skills...)
All of the little details were evocative, moving and carefully chosen,
bringing to mind Finduilas' life in both Dol Amroth and Minas Tirith. I
particularly loved the blush-worthy poetry from Denethor (which made me
want to know much more about the life together that this author
conceives for them); and the benediction that Finduilas laid on her new
daughter-in-law at the end.
-----------------------------------
Title: Birthdays · Author: Rabidsamfan · Genres: Drama: Remembering ·
ID: 988
Reviewer: dkpalaska · 2006-11-03 14:45:12
Very sweet and touching story, without being cloying at all. Little
Elanor's perspective and voice was perfect, capturing her immaturity
without muddling her straight-to-the-heart insights.
-----------------------------------
Title: ... and hear the song of salt and sea · Author: Cuthalion ·
Genres: Drama: The Steward's Family · ID: 98
Reviewer: Mechtild · 2006-11-03 14:48:05
In this fic, you envisioned a part of the LotR backstory that I have
never stopped to think about: Finduilas of Dol Amroth, and what her
marriage to Denethor might have been like. Thanks so much for bringing
this gap to life for me.
(Before I forget, I want to say I loved the touch of her remembering how
her brother would take the boy Faramirs hand during walks when they
visited in Dol Amroth the prince and uncle who would save Faramir as
he fled before the Nazgûl, across fields of the Pelennor, decades hence
.... This little detail touched me deeply; its the sort of
gap-filling that fleshes out the story beautifully, making characters
merely glimpsed in the canon text live.)
From the first, you show your protagonist, Finduilas, as a gently,
caring soul. Although [ she did not love him at first sight ], in time
she came to see his loneliness and loved him. Yet, love was not enough.
How well you sketch the sort of place Finduilas grew up in, Dol Amroth,
by the sea. I have never thought of Minas Tirith as anything but
beautiful; somewhere Id like to live. But, to make a comparison, while
Rome was beautiful and impressive, emperors preferred to take their
holidays in Capri. You make it understandable how a woman raised by the
sea, with its milder weather, soft breezes, and fragrant gardens (and
from a beloved home), would find the White City as severe as its
steward. Too hard, too exposed, too hot, too cold. You tell how his
cares (fighting the powers of the East) harden and darken Denethors
heart, so that love wanes. Then, his patronage of his first son and
rejection of her second son or the way she was raising him seems
finally to kill her love.
In the appendices, Tolkien implied two main threads for why Finduilas
would have grown unhappy. I think you touched on both of them. He says,
[ &it seemed to men that she withered in the guarded city, as a flower
of the seaward vales set upon a barren rock. The shadow in the east
filled her with horror, and she turned her eyes ever south to the sea
that she missed. ]Your Finduilas did not seem directly affected by
horror in the east, but she certainly suffered through Denethors grim
preoccupation with it. Her withering because she was, so to speak, out
of her element a sea flower on a barren rock of a city was
well-shown in your story.
My only reservation about this fine fic concerns its ending. Nowhere in
the canon materials or drafts is it hinted that Finduilas actually
killed herself (is it?). She died untimely; she withered. We know her
children mourned her, and that her husband became more grim and taciturn
and sour after losing her to death.
Considering the way in which you depicted Finduilas sinking into deeper
and deeper despond and depression, it is entirely plausible that she
would have killed herself in the way you describe. But, based on my
knowledge of real-life situations in which a parent has killed herself,
the way this sort of death would have impacted her survivors would have
been extremely severe. Denethor would have been incapacitated by guilt,
and I don't see how her sons would have got over it. From the source
materials, though, this did not appear to be the case. Therefore, I
think you could keep the idea that she killed herself, but it might do
to show that it was generally *believed* ("generally" including her
children and husband) that her death was accidental.
If Denethor lived to be haunted by the suspicion that it had been
intentional, and that he himself was responsible for the state of misery
that would have driven her to it, that could make sense in the context
of canon. But he could not know *for sure* -- he'd have to be able to
put the thought aside enough to shoulder the huge responsibilities he
actually had. And her sons could not be allowed to know at all, I think,
or the repercussions would have to have shown up more than they do in
their LotR portrayals. Well, *in my opinion* that would be the case. You
might imagine it differently, or not care that much about sticking
closely to the text. Fic-writers do whatever they want with the source
material, hang the canon text, but you seem to want to maintain a
resemblance.
A sequel, perhaps...? :D
-----------------------------------
Title: Quality Time · Author: EdorasLass · Genres: Drama: The Steward's
Family · ID: 205
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 14:55:29
Denethor and his very young sons are sharing a few peaceful moments. I
love all the subtle underlay here of Denethor's relationship with the
boys' Nanny--his slight jealousy, his amusement at discomfitting her.
And her touchiness and wariness around him. I have read some of these
stories, but not enough of them to be sure of the timeline--the boys
seem too young here to have lost their mother yet, so I wonder at
Finduilas' absence. Still, this is a very touching picture of this
family before grief and bitterness destroy it.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Gift of Tears · Author: vladazhael · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 615
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 14:59:02
A rather angsty moment, as Haldir must deliver the news of a fellow
warrior's death to his grief-stricken sister.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Precious Gift · Author: Isil Elensar · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 250
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:04:19
The birth of Finwe's second son--his first with Indis. A very sweet and
touching moment portrayed, as we see a father reluctant to touch the
newborn, as many young fathers often are. And a weary but proud young
mother, pleased with her precious child. Very nicely done.
-----------------------------------
Title: Master of Shadows · Author: Space Weavil · Genres: Drama · ID: 245
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:27:44
Chilling. What a fascinating speculation on the origins of the
Witch-King of Angmar, his motives and his eventual enslavement to the
Ring. I find this all too plausible, and very well written. I like the
device of using the seven deadly sins to encompass his fall into darkness.
-----------------------------------
Title: Lightly Sings the Wind · Author: Ellie · Genres: Drama: Elves in
Later Ages · ID: 799
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:45:09
An interesting examination of Earwen's reaction to the news that her
sons were all killed in the War of Wrath, and that her daughter will not
return to her in Valinor. Her grief is very realistically and tellingly
portrayed.
-----------------------------------
Title: Letters in the sand · Author: Rhapsody · Races: Elves: Feanorians
· ID: 176
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:50:24
Maglor's fate in wandering, ever doomed to relive his past mistakes, and
his role in the ill-fated vow of his father, is here examined. Very
evocative and thought-provoking.
-----------------------------------
Title: House of Finwë · Author: Ghettoelleth · Times: First Age and
Prior: Incomplete · ID: 100
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 15:59:32
Very angsty. An excellent use of imagery and language, to convey the
anger and anguish of the Feanorians.
-----------------------------------
Title: Planning Ahead · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men · ID: 84
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 16:03:51
This was really cute! An excellent use of the propensity of the Dunedain
to foresight--but in this case, I am sure that it caused poor Arathorn
more confusion than anything else. I loved little Gilraen's certainty!
It certainly made me smile.
-----------------------------------
Title: Summer Call · Author: mitasova · Races: Men: Post-Sauron's Fall ·
ID: 772
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 16:22:29
A warm and touching account of how Faramir of Ithilien spends his last
day, in the company of his grandson, and some beloved memories. This was
beautifully crafted, and it made me sniffle.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shin to Toe to Thigh to Mind · Author: Talasi · Genres: Romance ·
ID: 369
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 16:26:23
A rather sensual song-fic.
-----------------------------------
Title: Book Learning · Author: Branwyn · Genres: Romance: Gondor · ID: 910
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-03 16:36:11
This was very amusing--to see the newlyweds each fearing that he or she
was inadequate in the bedroom. It's a state of mind that inexperience
makes likely, and I loved the way each of them, although approaching the
problem from a totally different mind-set, came up with the same
solution, LOL! The OCs here are also delightful, and I would not mind
seeing more of Freydis--she was absolutely wonderful! Very nice little
story, and even though it dealt with "adult" topics, it was also handled
tastefully, and not OTT. A good read.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ships Passing · Author: Marta · Races: Men: Vignette · ID: 302
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:40:27
A sombre, reflective vignette. Faramir holds a quiet conversation
addressed to Halbarad at his bier. I never thought about the
similarities between these two. Both Rangers, both there to rule in the
kings absence. I feel really sorry for Faramir that he never got to
know Halbarad.
-----------------------------------
Title: Imrahil's Daughter · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 183
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:41:38
This story is the sequel to The Warrior and the Healer written from
Éomers point of view. Éomer returns to Minas Tirith to escort the body
of his uncle home to Rohan and discovers to his horror that the healer
he cant get out of his mind from his last visit to Gondor is the
daughter of his friend Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. While trying to
hide their first encounter from Prince Imrahil, they get more and more
entangled.
Lothíriel and Éomer are well-developed characters and their interaction
is priceless. The doors in the Citadel have quite a story to tell. Their
conversations are hilarious and Lothíriel manages constantly to baffle
Éomer.
She is so different than he expects a Gondorian princess to be, not that
he has any idea what that might be, that she is unpredictable to him
(and to the reader).
Another part I really like is when Éomer is not dealing with Lothiriel,
he has to grow into his new role as King of Rohan and that means he has
to see to the future of his people.
The supporting canon characters are well drawn. I love Aragorns dry
humor and Faramirs dealings with Éomer. This story marks the entry of
my favorite of quasi canon characters in Madeleines stories,
Lothíriels brother Amrothos. The banter between the siblings is
priceless. Just by being there Amrothos drives Éomer crazy.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Bride for a King · Author: Madeleine · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 777
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:42:57
Lothíriel discovers through her brothers in a rather off-handed way that
her father has given her to the king of Rohan as bride. Nobody has asked
her and ,oh, by the way, here is a letter from Éomer. Upset, angry, and
baffled, she sets out to get a better understanding of how the male
psyche works. And her brother Amrothos is her chosen target to get all
the necessary answers. The ensuing discussion is one of the highlights
of this story. Lothíriel with her analytical brain dissects everything
Amrothos says and draws surprising conclusions. Amrothos tries to
enlighten her with so many words without saying too much. She is, after
all, a virginal noblewomen.
I especially like the comparison of Éomer with a meat eating plant and
the sidebar of Aunt Ivriniel and her boa named Denethor. At the end of
the discussion, she still has a lot of questions but agrees to be
Éomers bride. When she finally can confront her father, it is hard to
convey her opinion about his high-handedness when he hands her
everything she wants on a platter<g>. I like Imrahil's characterization
in this scene and how he manages (or not) his children.
The characters in this story are well developed. The interaction between
the family members feels natural, but I just love the dialogue. It is
hilarious. A lot of the discussions happen during a meal, and it is
ingenious how the utensils for eating and drinking, and good or bad
table manners can be used to convey feelings, tactics and let the whole
scene come to life.
-----------------------------------
Title: Ada Knows Best · Author: mistycracraft · Genres: Adventure · ID: 290
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:44:42
Adventurous Estel wants to accompany his brothers on their patrols. In
typical teenager fashion, he thinks he is ready and knows better than
his elders. He manages to sneak out of Imladris and follow the patrol.
Naturally, he encounters more than he bargained for. His ingenious plan
of rescue works, but he learns a lesson he will not likely ever forget.
I like the characterization of Estel as a teenager. His rebellion
against being deemed too young, his errors of judgement and then his
indomitable spirit in thinking and fighting his way out of the situation
(with a little help).
-----------------------------------
Title: The Summons · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Times: The Great
Years: The Fellowship · ID: 254
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:45:42
I never interpreted the words of Faramirs dream as a summons for
Aragorn to come to Minas Tirith. These three vignettes go from
light-hearted, when Boromir shows Aragorn the sword moves of Thorongil
without knowing that Aragorn is Thorongil, to very dark, when Aragorn
stands vigil over Boromirs dead body and realizes that he cant follow
the summons at the moment. I love the interaction between Boromir and
Aragorn in these three scenes. They sound as if they really talk and
listen to each other and not just are members of the same group with
little in common.
-----------------------------------
Title: The Hobbit and the Man: "All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter" ·
Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Races: Cross-Cultural: With Hobbits · ID: 351
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:46:00
This is the amusing little story of Bilbos first meeting with Aragorn.
I love the idea of Aragorn bringing Longbottom Leaf to break the ice.
-----------------------------------
Title: Kissing is Different · Author: Lady Bluejay · Genres: Romance:
Lothíriel & Éomer · ID: 280
Reviewer: obsidianj · 2006-11-03 16:46:21
This is a lovely little scenario of how Eomer met Lothiriel. The
conversation in the stables is great. The end was a surpise and I'm not
sure I like it. Somehow it took away part of my enjoyment.
-----------------------------------
Title: Elven Braids · Author: viggomaniac · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 808
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-03 18:22:59
Very nice short story that ended right--I couldn't stand the thought it
would get any worse than it did! Good creative choice there--just enough
angst and no more! I love the idea that he wore elven braids when he was
young and going home to visit family. Awww! However, I am now completely
besotted with the idea of the "sound of an elven war cry"--would love to
hear that. Please let me know if you ever write anything that tries to
describe it!
-----------------------------------
Title: Chivalry · Author: Gandalfs apprentice · Genres: Drama: General
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 374
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-03 18:25:17
Shadowfax and Gandalf are two of my favorite of Tolkiens characters.
The picture that you capture of them here is lovely. The concept of the
Mearas, ["who would bear no one but the King of the Mark or his sons,
until the time of Shadowfax"] is one of the most colorful and
fascinating within Tolkiens mythology. Its always been hard for me to
sort out the scattered references to Mearas, I love to think of them as
tracing their lineage back to horses that came from Valinor, descended
from Nahar, the horse of the Vala Oromë.
Gandalf, when offered a horse, was clever enough to choose Shadowfax.
Then the next question is whether or not he will be smart of enough to
convince Shadowfax to let him ride him. If there could be anyone who
could convince Shadowfax to carry him, Gandalf would certainly be the
one. Very nicely written piece, worthy of its subjects.
-----------------------------------
Title: Concerning Hobbit's Feet · Author: grey_wonderer · Genres: Humor:
The Shire · ID: 828
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-03 19:36:27
This one made me laugh out loud. Pippin's candor about this sensitive
subject reminds me of his probing questions in "Of Squirrels and Stolen
Pies". ANd Freddy's solution to the problem -- how perfect! I'm sure
males of all races would be interested in this key issue.
-----------------------------------
If you have any questions about the archive, or would like to report a technical problem, please contact Aranel (former MEFA Tech Support and current Keeper of the Archive) at araneltook@mefawards.org or at the MEFA Archive group..